Statement by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Speakes on the Murder of Iskander Odeh

October 12, 1985
The Santa Ana office of the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee was bombed October
11, killing the center's director, Mr. Iskander (Alex) Odeh. The administration deeply deplores
this tragic event and condemns in the strongest possible terms the criminal use of violence and
terrorism to achieve political ends. To think even for a moment that there exists a justification for
such heinous acts does grave injustice to the principles of political freedom upon which this
country was founded.

The President extends his sincere condolences to Mr. Odeh's widow Norma and his three small
daughters, as well as to other members of the family. The President has instructed that
appropriate Federal authorities provide the fullest possible support to the local police investigation
now underway.